My wife and I will be in Alexandria Virginia this week. We plan on seeing some of the Washington D.C. sights and Mt. Vernon. We would like to take a day trip someplace outside the D.C. area. We like the historical sights and want to see some of the country side as well. We only have one day to expore outside of D.C. We are considering Montecello or Gettysburg. Are either of these reasonable to drive to and see in a day. We have to return to Alexandria the same day.

Were open to any other recommendations as well.

Thanks in advance.

Both great choices. the drive is long (2hrs??), but not too long. Many closer civil war locations, including Manassas (1s/2nd bull run). If you go to another location, I suggest taking an audio car tour (need a cassette player). Gettysburg is big enough to drive and walk around at so many different locations that you may not need the audio tour. You could spend much more than a day at Gettysburg, but that's no reason not to see it as a day trip from DC. Another popular destination is Harper's Ferry. The drive is great, even more so this time of year.

Based on the history and awsome power some places have, I would vote for Gettysburg.

Mt. Vernon is very nice (I was just there in July, for the second time). I think taking a day trip to Monticello would complement it well (was there a year or two ago). Comparing Washington's and Jefferson's homes is really interesting and you can tell a lot about the men and their lives from their residences. Monticello is one of my favorite sites in the area -- the tours there are very good and the grounds are particularly special. It can be a long drive depending on traffic (I would allow a little over 2 hours each way) but it is worth it and very pretty (lots of roadside produce stands on the back roads too). If it's nice out you can bring a picnic.

Williamsburg? It's about 2 hours from Alexandria.

Oops...forgot to mention Annapolis which is a wonderful place to spend a leisurely day. It has the Naval Academy and lots more.